Second leaked speech reveals plans for regional funds

The Socialist Party was hit by another leak from a closed session on the weekend, as a recording of Local Government and Regional Development Minister Mónika Lamperth saying that legislation would be changed to keep regional development funds in Socialist hands was broadcast on Magyar Rádió Sunday afternoon.

Lamperth made the comment at Saturday's meeting of the party's national council. "Believe me I will prepare a bill that will create strong opportunities and a mandate for pro-government and Socialist politicians on regional development councils." She went on to say that "the modification will refute newspaper headlines declaring that we will be sorry because Fidesz will allocate the money from now on."

The government decided to form regional development councils primarily because EU funds are distributed on a regional basis after Fidesz shot down summer legislation that would have abolished the county councils in favour of larger, elected regional bodies. Such a change requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The council members will be appointed by the national government and by local governments, in proportions that could be determined by the new bill.

Lamperth claimed Sunday that her remarks had been edited, distorting their meaning. She emphasises nevertheless that the regional development law must be changed.

The Socialist party leadership met Sunday evening after the scandal broke out. According to Népszabadság, the tape was made public with help from within the party.

In Kossuth tér Sunday afternoon, Fidesz caucus leader Tibor Navracsics said the cabinet wants to punish those who vote for Fidesz. "They are lying again," he added, because one week ago Gyurcsány said the government must co-operate with all local authorities, regardless of party. They do not want to co-operate, Navracsics went on, but want to take funds for themselves.

Democratic Forum MP Zoltán Hock said Lamperth should resign.

Members of the government are being bugged because Fidesz interests require it, and the tapes are being manipulated, said Socialist spokesman István Nyakó. The Socialists are against such "mafia methods" and will fight illegal activities, he added.

Free Democrat chairman Gábor Kuncze said his party will no longer comment on any stolen tapes.

The above story is just one of more than two dozen published today by Hungary Around the Clock, the most comprehensive source of daily English-language news about Hungary. For a free trial of HATC, click here. Hungarian news sources include Népszabadság; Magyar Hírlap; Világgazdaság; Napi Gazdaság; Magyar Nemzet; Népszava; Kossuth Rádió news and Hungarian television's nightly news broadcast.

• Email
• Save to My Caboodle